What should I look for when choosing a dentist?

You may wish to consider several dentists before making your decision. During your first visit, you should be able to determine if this is the right dentist for you. Consider the following:

Is the appointment schedule convenient for you?

Is the office easy to get to from your home or job?

Does the office appear to be clean, neat and orderly?

Was your medical and dental history recorded and placed in a permanent file?

Does the dentist explain techniques that will help you prevent dental health problems? Is dental health instruction provided?

Are special arrangements made for handling emergencies outside of office hours? (Most dentists make arrangements with a colleague or emergency referral service if they are unable to tend to emergencies.)

Is information provided about fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled?

You and your dentist are partners in maintaining your oral health. Take time to ask questions and take notes if that will help you remember your dentist's advice.

What is the difference between a DDS and a DMD?

The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. The difference is a matter of semantics. The majority of dental schools award the DDS degree; however, some award a DMD degree. The education and degrees are the same.

Can I get a copy of my dental records?

Talk with your dentist about getting a copy of your dental records and check your state law, if necessary. The ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct states:

"A dentist has the ethical obligation on request of either the patient or the patient's new dentist to furnish, either gratuitously or for nominal cost, such dental records or copies or summaries of them, including dental X-rays or copies of them, as will be beneficial for the future treatment of that patient. This obligation exists whether or not the patient's account is paid in full."

How do I file a complaint against my dentist?

Even in the best dentist-patient relationship, a problem may occur. First, discuss any concerns you have with your dentist. Many times this will help clear up the matter. If you are still not pleased, contact the Lane County Dental Society to register your complaint.

Local dental societies have established a dispute resolution system called peer review to help resolve the occasional disagreement about dental treatment. Peer review provides an impartial and easily accessible means for resolving misunderstandings regarding the appropriateness or quality of care and, in certain instances, about the fees charged for dental treatment.

A peer review committee will attempt to mediate the problem. They may meet to discuss the case and may examine clinical records, talk to the dentist and patient and, when indicated, arrange for a clinical examination.

How often should I replace my toothbrush?

Treat yourself to a new toothbrush every three to four month’s, or sooner if the bristles become worn, splayed or frayed. A hard, brittle brush can injure your gums. Children's brushes may need to be replaced more often, as they can wear them out more quickly.

How should I choose oral care products?

Even savvy shoppers can be baffled by the seemingly endless variety of dental care products. Choose products that carry the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance - an important symbol of a dental product's safety and effectiveness. Oral care products that may carry the ADA Seal include toothpaste, manual and electric toothbrushes, floss and other interdental cleaning aids, mouth rinses and oral irrigators.

What ingredients are in toothpastes?

Toothpaste should contain fluoride to reduce tooth decay in children and adults. There are other ingredients that can be included. Tartar control toothpaste prevents tartar, above the gumline, from forming. The active ingredient of these toothpastes is based on the mechanism of action of a variety of pyrophosphates or zinc citrate. Desensitizing toothpaste can help block the pain of receding gums, which cause sensitivity to temperature extremes. The effective ingredient is potassium nitrate.

Toothpaste that contains Triclosan, an antimicrobial, is proven to reduce gingivitis. Baking soda can act as a mild abrasive in high enough concentrations. An advantage of baking soda as an ingredient is that if you like the taste or feel of these toothpastes, you're likely to brush more often and thoroughly. Abrasives help remove stains and plaque and polish the teeth. All ADA-accepted toothpastes contain a mild abrasive that, along with your toothbrush, helps to remove plaque (a sticky film of bacteria). Usually the abrasives are a type of silica.

Other ingredients commonly found in toothpastes help to make brushing a pleasant experience. Flavoring agents such as artificial sweeteners, peppermint, cinnamon or wintergreen improve the taste. Humectants prevent water loss. A binding agent or thickener gives the toothpaste body and keeps it from separating into solid and liquid. Foaming agents may be added to promote cleaning of the teeth.

How do I brush my teeth?
You should be brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Choose a soft-bristled brush that fits your mouth and place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Gently move the brush back and forth in short, tooth-wide strokes. Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

Do I really need to floss every day?
Yes. Flossing is an essential part of any oral health care routine. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day to achieve optimal oral health. By flossing daily, you help remove plaque from the areas between your teeth where the toothbrush can't reach. This is important because plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Flossing also helps prevent gum disease and cavities.

How often do I have to go to the dentist?
There is no one-size-fits-all dental treatment. Some people need to visit the dentist once or twice a year; others may need more visits. You are a unique individual, with a unique smile and unique needs when it comes to keeping your smile healthy. Talk to your dentist about how often you need to schedule visits.

What can I expect during a dental checkup?
The dentist or hygienist will ask about your recent medical history, examine your mouth and decide whether or not you need x-rays. Depending on your treatment plan, the hygienist may use a special dental instruments to check your gums for gum disease. Your dentist will evaluate your overall dental health and conduct an oral cancer screening by holding your tongue with gauze, checking it and your whole mouth, then feeling your jaw and neck.

Are dental x-rays safe?
Dental X-ray exams are safe; however, they do require very low levels of radiation exposure, which makes the risk of potentially harmful effects very small. Dental X-ray tools and techniques are designed to limit the body's exposure to radiation and every precaution is taken to ensure that radiation exposure is As Low As Reasonable Achievable (the ALARA principle). A leaded apron minimizes exposure to the abdomen and may be used when it will not interfere with acquisition of the dental radiograph. Also, a leaded thyroid collar can protect the thyroid from radiation, and should also be used whenever possible. The use of a leaded thyroid collar is recommended for women of childbearing age, pregnant women and children.